Being a girl living in West Chelsea isn’t easy. There’s the obvious “surrounded by gorgeous men who have no interest in you” situation. This we get over. There’s also the problem of shopping for stylish clothes. Until recently, there were few options for those without a lot of cash to blow—other than, say, sale season at Jeffrey.
The tide is, thankfully, turning. In the past few months, three boutiques have opened to fill the void.
Otte (121 Greenwich Avenue; 212-229-9424) and Gerry’s (112 Eighth Avenue, near 15th Street; 212-691-2188) are filled with styles that skew to the very trendy (from names like Miss Sixty, Plenty, and Rebecca Taylor). Lingo (257 West 19th Street; 212-929-4676), on the other hand, looks like a store you’d find in the East Village. Owner Shin Yee Man has packed the small space with the work of twelve local designers. Ever hear of DJ Partygirl or Fresh Meat? I hadn’t—and was happy to get acquainted. Prices are affordable (from $28 for a custom-made tank top to $220 for a long dress) and while some of the clothing is a little out there (read: I’m in the band), the accessories are festive and fun, meaning there’s something for everyone. Even men.